11 tips for cycling in the rain: how to stay safe and comfortable

Riding in the rain is part of life on two wheels - no matter the time of year. Here's how to survive, and maybe even enjoy it...

Cycling in the rain is rarely a pastime riders will list as a favourite. But regardless if you’re doing it because the rain started unexpectedly, because it was raining during commute time and you just had to get to work, or because the training programme said that’s what you had to do – we all find ourselves riding in downpour at some point.

Though wet rides aren’t usually something we look forward to, we can certainly take steps to make them more enjoyable – and lessen any negative impact they might have.

Here’s a few tips to keep you comfy in the wet…

1. Invest in a good waterproof jacket

The most important item of clothing for battling the rain is a jacket. Not only will a good waterproof jacket keep your torso dry it will help you regulate your body temperature. GoreTex is the best material as it is waterproof and breathable. A breathable material is essential so you don’t overheat.

A thinner rain jacket or ‘shell’ can also be used with the correct layers underneath, although persistent or very heavy rain will get through eventually.

Learn how to ride when the rain starts

2. Keep splash off with mudguards

Mudguards help when cycling in the rain

They may not look great, and they may rattle, but they are essential. Mudguards will keep all that filthy water on the road off of your feet, lower legs and back (where un-guarded wheels will spray the water with carefree abandon).

Even if you miss the rain, the roads will remain wet. That (dirty) water then gets flicked up by the wheels and makes you wet and cold. A flap added to the front guard will give you even greater protection.

3. Wear overshoes and gloves

Your extremities are the first parts of your body to be sacrificed in order to maintain a core temperature, and when your hands and feet get wet and cold you will feel disproportionally uncomfortable.

Your cycling gloves need to protect you without being so thick as to hamper your bike control as you still need to be able to feel the brakes and gears through all that material. However, many brands produce neoprene gloves which keep rain out and allow you to maintain dexterity.

4. Use chain degreaser

Cycling in the rain will take its toll on your bike’s chain

After a ride in the rain you should immediately shower and dry yourself. The same goes for your chain.

Cover it in degreaser (WD40 or GT85 are both widely available although there are bike specific degreasers like Muc Off) then vigorously wipe it down with a rag until it’s dry. A few drops of lube will then protect it for the next ride. Do this and it can double the chain’s lifespan.

It’s a good idea to spray the other metallic moving parts too; front and rear gear mechanisms and brake callipers. Try to keep the degreaser away from the hubs, bottom bracket, wheel rims and brake blocks. Ideally your whole bike would get washed down after a wet ride, but we know that’s not very realistic

5. Wear a cycling cap

A cap – like this one from Morvelo – keeps water out your eyes when cycling in the rain

Air vents in helmets are great in the heat, not so much in the rain. A cheap cycling cap worn under your helmet is a good barrier for your head, with the peak giving extra protection for your eyes against the spray.

Other options include a skull cap (although they don’t have peaks) or an aero helmet as many of them have plastic covers or fewer vents.

6. Avoid standing water

Steer clear of it. Standing water not only gets you wet, it can be incredibly dangerous as you never know what’s lurking beneath. It might just be a puddle, but then it could be a wheel smashing pothole.

When you see standing water, check over your shoulder before moving safely out to ‘ride the lane’ (most standing water will gather near the kerb). Only ride through standing water if you can clearly see what’s underneath.

7. Check your tyres and reduce the pressure

Rain water washes all sorts of muck on to the roads, and when your tyres are wet they pick up more of it than usual.

After each ride take a quick look over your tyres checking for flints, glass and other debris. Also check for cuts in the tyre that could weaken the carcass or allow the inner tube to bulge through.

It’s a good idea to ride a heavier tyre in the winter with a thick tread. Why not try a 25c tyre run a slightly lower pressure too.

Running your rubber at a slightly lower pressure – by 5 to 10 psi – increases your surface area, and thus grip on the road as well as comfort.

8. Utilise plastic bags

If you’re riding in very heavy or constant rain there is almost nothing that will keep your feet dry as water runs down your legs or gets in from underneath.

A cheap option to prolong that nice dry feelingin your feet is to slip a plastic bag over your socks, then your tights (if wearing them) pulled down over the bags, then finally your shoes and overshoes. A more permanent, less budget version is Seal Skinz socks that do a good job of protecting your feet.

9. Use lights

Good quality LED lights are now available at a reasonable price

Whether it’s the droplets of water on wing mirrors or a steamed-up windscreen, driving standards drop drastically in the rain. It is well worth making yourself more visible when it’s raining, even in the middle of the day.

There are plenty of good quality, lightweight, LED lights that can be discreetly clipped to your bike. If riding at night, lights that meet legal requirements are needed anyway. Flashing LEDs are a good addition.

10. Just get on the turbo or rollers

This isn’t so much as dealing with the rain as avoiding it. Structured sessions of anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour can do amazing things for your fitness. Sat on your bike aimlessly pedalling while watching the TV, less so.

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